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Town shines bright during Diwali celebrations

West Northamptonshire Council Diwali celebrations in Northampton on 26 October 2024. Featured are two giant puppets lit up with lights being carried down a dark street, brimmed with people. West Northamptonshire Council
The Saturday evening parade featured giant puppets, which tell the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita, which is central to the Hindu religion

Thousands of people have taken part in a town's Diwali Festival of Light.

The celebration was the first cultural event staged at Northampton's newly refurbished Market Square since its official opening.

One of the organisers, Sejal Karavadra, said Diwali was "the equivalent of Christmas" for the Hindu community, "when families and friends get together, exchange presents, have lots of good food and a good time".

It was first marked in the town 24 years ago and is now one of the biggest celebrations in the area.

West Northamptonshire Council Home-made laterns and decorations are taken along Northampton's streets in the dark during Diwali celebrations on 26 October 2024.West Northamptonshire Council
Northampton's streets were a scene of technicolour during the Diwali parade
West Northamptonshire Council A mechanical elephant with a woman steering it on Northampton's Market Square, while revellers watch. Taken during the Diwali celebrations on 26 October 2024.West Northamptonshire Council
A giant mechanical elephant greeted visitors gathered on Northampton's Market Square

Events started 10:00 BST, with henna painting, sari dressing, live stage entertainment and food and drink.

The light parade started at 18:00 and made its way through the town centre, from Dychurch Lane to the Market Square.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, who also helped organise the festival, said: "It is our 24th year, from very humble small beginnings when we used one of the Christmas trees to switch on the Diwali lights, so we've come a long way."

Organisers wanted to offer "something for everybody", she added.

Maria Veronese/BBC Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, who has tied back black hair and is wearing a pale pink sari embroidered with darker pink flowers and green leaves, edged with sequins over a pink silk top. Over the garments is a chunky necklace. She is standing in Northampton's Market Square and behind her can be seen barriers, a covered raised stand and beyond that buildings.Maria Veronese/BBC
Neelam Aggarwal-Singh was full of praise for the refurbished Market Square, saying "we are excited about what we can do in this space"

Local schoolchildren showed off lanterns they made during workshops supported by Northampton College.

Giant puppets, which tell the story of Prince Rama and his wife Sita, which is central to the Hindu religion, have been popular in previous years and returned for this year's light parade.

Leena Patel, a stage performance volunteer, said: "Diwali is the story of light over darkness, good over evil, it's all about the victory of good.

Maria Veronese/BBC Leena Patel who has long black hair swept over one shoulder. She is wearing a top with a purple body and its shoulders and arms have pink white yellow and purple lace patterns. She is smiling towards the camera and behind her are stalls with out of focus goods on them within a tentMaria Veronese/BBC
The festival is the story of "light over darkness, good over evil" and is also an opportunity for families to get together, according to Leena Patel

"It's one of the biggest festivals for Hindus - we celebrate all festivals with grandeur, but it's like our Christmas and New Year all in one."

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